Do not forget one of the real innovations of this game - the interactivepit stop. Not only did you have the opportunity to push an unsuspecting friend into the pit lane, forcing him to a halt and losing precious seconds - you could also do a blocking action, keeping him *out* of the pit lane, thereby causing a flat tire on the next lap.
The pit stop action was nearly as amusing, with stupid pit personnel being unable to replace tires or refueling your car. Endless possibilities of taunting your competitor, since the pit personnel was entirely controlled by the player.